Walton MP Steve Rotheram on his Hillsborough debate speech – and where we go from here (VIDEO)

WALTON MP Steve Rotheram and all of those seeking the truth about Hillsborough have now had time to reflect on the momentous events of last week – as they look ahead, with some hope, to the full story finally unfolding.

WALTON MP Steve Rotheram and all of those seeking the truth about Hillsborough have now had time to reflect on the momentous events of last week – as they look ahead, with some hope, to the full story finally unfolding.

Eight days ago, something remarkable happened – people were hanging on the every word of MPs as they spoke in the House of Commons.

Our local MPs, led by Mr Rotheram, who moved the motion calling for the full disclosure of documents, collectively said what has needed to be said in Parliament – but hasn’t – for the last 22 years.

And one part of the thoroughly-absorbing proceedings struck a particular chord. The most moving aspect of the annual Hillsborough memorial services is the reading out of the names of the 96 victims.

Now, for the first time, their names and ages were read out in the Commons chamber – and it was the most touching, and important, few minutes of the entire debate.

Steve Rotheram explains: “I had spoken with my colleague Andy Burnham and we were both a bit anxious about it and wondering whether it was the appropriate thing to do. I agonised over it, spoke with my wife and with Margaret Aspinall, from the Hillsborough Family Support Group, and Sheila Coleman, from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign. But it wasn’t until the evening I decided I was definitely going to do it. I thought ‘Go for it’.

“The House of Commons is a very strange place and you are not expected to show any emotion. They probably don’t want the outside world to see we are human, after all.”

He adds: “I decided to read the ages as well, because I thought a lot of people didn’t understand the range of ages of the people who died – from 10 to 67.”

Some viewers have asked why more MPs weren’t present, believing it was an insult that there were so many empty spaces during the first full-scale debate about Britain’s worst sporting disaster.

But Steve Rotheram has an insider’s view, and says: “I don’t think it was an insult. It was a single-line whip debate, as opposed to a two-line or three-line debate, and attendance was at people’s discretion. I’ve been to a one-line whip debate where there were only six people in the chamber. And behind the speaker’s chair last Monday there was a throng of people watching, who didn’t want to interrupt the speeches.

“People were also sitting on various committees. It’s not as if MPs were just sitting on their backsides or in the bar.”

Regarding his colleagues, he says: “I thought Andy Burnham was the star of the show and (Garston and Halewood MP) Maria Eagle was really good – (Wirral South MP) Alison McGovern, too, because of the emotion. She came at it from a very human level and it was really powerful.”

The MP believes the 20th anniversary of Hillsborough was the major turning point, and recalls how, as the then Lord Mayor of Liverpool, he was preparing to address the memorial service at Anfield as Andy Burnham – the then culture, media and sports secretary – was being heckled.

“Andy was heckled about four or five times, that’s all. He received more standing ovations. But he got heckled and the message was loud and clear. My main concern was I was speaking after Andy, so my bottle was going.

Video: Steve Rotheram speaks after the historic Hillsborough debate

“People were, quite rightly, venting their anger at the then Labour government. They had been let down for 20 years at that stage. They didn’t know Andy – he was representing Gordon Brown and it was when he mentioned Gordon Brown’s name that he was heckled.

“Afterwards, I knew he was going to do something. I’ve always trusted Andy. He’s a Scouser and he’s got a lot of integrity.”

And the future? “The report of the Hillsborough independent panel was scheduled to come out in spring 2012 but, given what we have just secured – ‘the lot’ – and that we don’t know how big ‘the lot’ is, whether that report is pushed back I don’t know. The people I have spoken to would rather have it slightly delayed and get the full and accurate picture, rather than rush through it.”

It’s been said there can only be closure when the whole truth about Hillsborough is known – and Steve Rotheram says: “Absolutely! People ask ‘What do you want?’ We have always just asked for the truth. All the families have fought for is the truth. We don’t know what might come out, but I am certain the people who will be feeling the most uncomfortable will be those in authority.”